Joyful Living - Week 8: A Joyful Transformation
Small Group Discussion Guide
For the week of March 22, 2020
Connecting (Aim for 15 minutes)
Breaking the Ice/Think Time
1. Who is someone who has set a good example for you? What is it about their life you admire?
Quick Review… Looking back at your notes from this Sunday’s sermon, what caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Understanding the Truth (Aim for 30-40 minutes)
Read Phil. 3:17-21
What two things does Paul ask believers to do in verse 17?
Read Philippians 3:10, 3:13-14. What specifically was Paul asking believers to imitate him and others in? In other words, what example had Paul and others set?
How did Paul feel about those who lived as enemies of the cross? (Verse 18)
According to verses 18-19, what is the end of and the god of those who live as enemies of the cross?
In verses 19 and 20 Paul contrasts having a mind set on earthly things and a citizenship in heaven. What is the difference in these two mindsets? How does our mindset impact how we live?
How does the promise and reality of having a citizenship in heaven encourage you? (verse 20) How can this verse minister to us and those we love as we face the Coronavirus?
In verse 20, what does Paul say we await? What is he referring to? (See Hebrews 9:28)
What does Paul say Christ will do at his return in verse 21? Also see 1 John 3:2. What timely verses! As we face uncertainty and fight the spread of COVID-19, how is the promise of a new body, that is not subject to disease, helpful for us and the world to know?
Seeing Our Savior
Read 1 Corinthians 1:7, 4:16, 11:1; Romans 8:19, 23, 25; Galatians 5:5; Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 21:5; Isaiah 65:17
The Bible tells us that God is making all things new. One day Jesus will return, and God will complete His restoration of the earth from the effects of sin. Our citizenship is in heaven, where God has prepared a place for us and we will live forever with new bodies, not subject to the Coronavirus or any other disease. In the meantime, we’re called to follow the example of Paul and live for God. Jesus was the ultimate example of trusting God the Father. And now He offers to empower us to live with the same faith and obedience today!
Living the Truth (Aim for 20 minutes)
What is the power of living with a godly mindset and testimony? Are you living with the mindset being of a citizen of heaven like Paul?
How can the promise of heaven and new bodies help us to live and share Christ in these uncertain times? Who can you share the good news with this week? Is there anyone you feel God inviting you to minister to and share Christ with?
God not only hears but loves to answer prayers that are “according to His will.” (1 John 5:14-15). We can pray confidently when we pray obediently to this truth. You have just spent time discovering God’s will for you. Now, ask God for what you need to fulfill His will in your life, your friends & family, neighbors, church & community. Don’t be afraid to ask forgiveness where you have blown it, strength where you are weak, courage where you are afraid.
Prayer Requests (Aim for minimum of 10 minutes)
Pray that God reveals to you who He truly is